The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) gives nations economic jurisdiction over the so called EEZs (exclusive economic zones) which extend 200 nautical miles into the ocean. Given the information now available on ocean floors and new exploitation techniques, these ocean areas are no longer a buffer zone between countries but instead are sharply defined and occasionally defended borders. Exclusive fishing rights are considered equally existential for nations relying on dwindling fish stocks. The US has not yet ratified the treaty.